Quakers lose FA appeal over drop into Northern League (From The Northern Echo)
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Quakers lose FA appeal over drop into Northern League
1:46pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in Darlington FC News
By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter
Darlington Football Club
THE Quakers have lost their appeal to the Football Association (FA) over its decision to place the club in the Northern League.
The ruling means the club will be prevented from playing in national FA competitions next season and must now change its name.
The club’s new owners, Darlington FC 1883, had hoped football bosses would allow the Quakers to play in either the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier or Division One next season.
But by rejecting the appeal, the FA is ratifying its decision to treat Darlington FC as a new club.
Laura Drew, from DFC 1883, said board members were "bitterly disappointed by the decision".
She added: "We feel we had a strong case and to be honest I am gob-smacked that the appeal was unsuccessful. The appeal panel upheld the original decision and will not recognise the football club as a continuation of the football club that completed last season.
"This is a position that we heavily dispute but we have to accept where we are and fight back from here. I am Darlington fan first and foremost and this hurts badly, but I know there is a future and we need to focus on that now." Denis Pinnegar, DFC 1883 chairman, said: "This is not the outcome that either the fans or the interim board wanted, but at least we now know where we are and what needs done to get this club back to where it belongs.
"I know there is nothing else that could have been done in order to get the result of the appeal changed, the FA have decided that we are to be viewed as new club and as much as we can challenge that and argue the case we have to now accept that.
"There has been a lot of uncertainty around this club in recent times, and the fans deserve better. Its our job now to work with the fans, get the fans to back the club and get the club back playing in Darlington and at the highest level we can, as soon as we can."
Craig McKenna, project director, stated: "It is the fans that I feel for, they deserve better than this and they have been let down by Mr Singh.
"It is the fans club now and if that is the only positive thing to come out of this then it is a positive thing well worth having."
Martin Gray, team manager said "When I took this role I knew the club had been placed at level5 and as disappointing as this the appeal outcome is, it doesn't change the fact that we have a job to do and we will do it."
Although DFC 1883 said before the hearing that it was unable to discuss the grounds for the appeal in detail, project manager Craig McKenna confirmed there had been input from the police.
It is believed they are concerned that some Northern League grounds could have difficulty coping with the potential volume of Darlington fans next season.
It is understood DFC 1883 is also arguing that it has done all it can to ensure the club’s former players have been paid the money they were owed.
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (102)
2:01pm Thu 21 Jun 12
no1quaker says...
Perhaps we can concentrate on winning this league now.
Roll on the new season and 'Up The Quakers'
2:22pm Thu 21 Jun 12
the greek says...
2:53pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
This being the case is the club still bound to honour all the debts, was the new club the 1883 CIC or Darlington FC 1883 on the application.
The debt level could hamper the way forward and I know this is not the best thing to do but is there no way these debts can be removed from the New club.
I believe I know a way it can be done but it comes down to how you feel about honouring the previous debts, as this is no longer a requirement.
So what is the new club name, any decision on this yet?
3:01pm Thu 21 Jun 12
no1quaker says...
3:19pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
I can only hope that you have sort ways to protect the assets of the old club and the current situation on the basis of this outcome.
Given all the assurances publically by the interim board and the project manager about it being retained as 'Darlington FC' ,I am not surprised but personally dissapointed and a somewhat annoyed.
There is one saving grace in all of this and that is the following:-
The 'Quakers' survives regardless of the actual club name and this is where the support will be maintained and is where its history is retained.
I would therefore suggest that this is protected at all cost from ever being put in danger of being lost regardless of the new club structure or future name.
3:29pm Thu 21 Jun 12
the-big-yin says...
3:54pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Trademarque says...
Reading the article just makes you want to walk away and free yourself as you know in your heart of hearts thats its not really darlo, but then you think of the history and the battle for Quakers' survival and you know that you won't be able to cos its in your blood.
However, if 1883 is in the title of the new club then i'm gonna start supporting Swindon Town.
4:02pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
They have done absolutely EVERYTHING they could to save this football club and all you can say is they should have known?
Sod off!
4:07pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
I have taken a lot of stick over many issues and I guess I am about to do it again.
Please leave 'Quakers' and '1883' out of the name, the quakers so that the history can always be protected, and '1883' as if you had listened to many comments at the beginning about the CrowdCube pitch it would never have come to this and the team would still be 'Darlington FC' and in the Conference North.
The more I read the article the more I am getting annoyed about the way 1883 only wanted to go in one direction. Part of the blame should be shouldered by 1883 themselves for the outcome!!
But they still see it as a 'success' that its a fan owned club sitting in the Northern league instead of where they belong in main stream football.
4:13pm Thu 21 Jun 12
extratime says...
Get people in who know hat they are doing not fans who havent a clue all that money wasted on what ? and Have we lost the name too no mention so bet thats a yes
Dp on radio last night when asked hiw much money needed to Aug woulnt answer WHY isnt this a commity club ??
4:16pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Wrong,
The rules are clear exit with a CVA otherwise the club is new, its a completely new legal entirty, do you know anything.
What is done is there now, and can't be undone.
Maybe this is one for a poll of the CIC members to decide the name as its there club or is it!!, Is the club Darlington FC 1883 or does the CIC 1883 only own 10%.
I make an assumption here which is never a good thing to do but if the £200K is not raised by the end of June is Darlington FC 1883 solvent.
4:28pm Thu 21 Jun 12
gums says...
4:29pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Sick As A Pig says...
4:33pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
If you honestly think that DFC1883 have seen this all as some sort of power trip I truly am lost for words.
The best thing to come out of all this is that we'll 'lose' fans like yourself. Good riddence. Close the door on your way out.
4:35pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Darlogirl1 says...
,and all the people behind the scenes who worked for the club......and some one asked who is running the show now......people who have not got a clue what they are doing YAWNNNNN Move on.......
4:36pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
The CrowdCube is a great way to raise money, why did they not ask the 943 investors to increase their investment to the level to cover what was needed. It was certainly mentioned time and time again and ignored.
To be honest very dissappointed how it has all turned out and in truth there is now no point in going over old ground.
Its all too late, will have to wait and see what comes out of the situation next, suppose it depends on the 'trust' vote and the 200K target being met.
4:41pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
The club will need fans like me, if it is ever to progress from the Northern league, obviously you ignorant and abusive, maybe you should go and learn some manners or grow up.
4:44pm Thu 21 Jun 12
60 years a quaker says...
If you are not a supporter of the team we now have, you can walk away but please dont slag off the people who have tried.
4:46pm Thu 21 Jun 12
craig_mckenna says...
If they had gone and asked the 943 investors to increase from where they were to what was needed to a) pay off a CVA and b) cover the costs of staying at the Arena it would have meant trying to raise an amount in excess of 1.5 million. That is a huge jump from 330k and if anyone thinks that the fans would have been able to raise that especially knowing that 800k of it would be going to RS they are crazy
4:49pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
4:52pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
I've been reading these comment sections over the last couple of months with intrigue and all you have done is snipe, belittle and mock those who have put in a hell of a lot of effort to try and save the club. The club I, you, and plenty of others hold very dear in our hearts.
Why should the club need fans like you? The club needs fans who realise what the club now is... a fans club, run for the fans, by the fans.
They need fans to support the club not only financially, but with their hard work and effort. I can hold my head high knowing that I have done just that. Have you? Don't think so. Plenty of others have, but not you...
Have you sold scarves outside of the stadium freezing your **** off? Have you arranged quiz nights in the Dolphin centre? Have you dangled 60 feet in the air from a rope as you abseil down the stadium? Have you arranged 'Battle of the Bands' nights? The list is endless. These people are the sort we need, not you.
Now I return to my previous sentiment.... SOD OFF!
4:54pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Sick As A Pig says...
4:55pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
People have tried and mistakes have been made and the consequences are where we are now.
I guess we are Club 24 in the northern league at the moment obviously we are not 'Darlington FC' and we have been told that we need a new name but does that affect 'Darlington FC 1883' which is the team currently showing in the Northern League fixture list.
Is there sufficient difference in this name or does this also have to change, it was not clear in the article. Guess we shall know shortly as to whether we are actually Darlo or not.
4:56pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
4:58pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
5:13pm Thu 21 Jun 12
al_quaker says...
Admit it, you are just on a wind up aren't you?
Anyway, I'm puzzled by the inconsistencies of the FA's decisions. They treat us like a new club, yet allow us to play this season?
It's done now I suppose. Time to try and build the club back up. Darlington FC has been killed by a few. Time for the fans to rebuild it.
5:18pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
You never asked so you will never know, to get a CVA I certainly would have gone a lot further multi thousands if I had been asked.
Obviously, some fans dont like my comments but I bet they would like my money.
For now I will wait and watch to see what takes shape in the coming months we can only hope that success follows the direction taken.
Whilst you are reading the articles was the name 'Darlington FC 1883' sufficiently different and acceptable to the FA or not.
5:23pm Thu 21 Jun 12
craig_mckenna says...
We didn't propose any names today, it wasn't the forum for that. We need to see what the fans would like and go from there
5:25pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
5:27pm Thu 21 Jun 12
stiv says...
5:28pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Get a grip.
Craig
On the main news page there are now names being proposed for the club is this just the NE or are you Guys in the loop.
5:34pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Like your thinking but you really got to get their on merit.
5:37pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
5:44pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
You do this site and your personal attitude no favours if all you can comment is abuse.
5:46pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
5:48pm Thu 21 Jun 12
monteforte says...
We are now placed in Northern League that has big spending clubs and the highest standard by far so for a new club it's going to be hard especially playing out of town!
We can't afford anymore mistakes...
A big TY for "behind the scenes" volunteers helping the club...
5:58pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Thanks for that outlook, I think at the time it was suggested that questions be raised by polls such as the current 'name poll' to gain a consensous of opinion, which may have been enough to encourage people.
I guess water under the bridge right now I suppose it will now depend on how they propose to raise more finance if required, as the CIC only grows over time but there is at least 6 years to grow this aspect.
6:12pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
The good thing that has come out of this is that we are now in control of our future and past chairman cant hurt us no more.
We need to move on and build for the future `build Darlo`
The bickering on here needs to stop, we the supporters of our club need to get behind this and support in any way we can, whether that be investing, attending games, buying season tickets, fundraising etc etc etc. Come the summer we also get to vote a board in on 1883.
6:22pm Thu 21 Jun 12
monteforte says...
This current DFC 1883 interim board needs to change.., The fans deserve better handling of their donations if the club is to progress in the right manner & direction...
6:24pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Liamsm says...
6:27pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
6:32pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
6:39pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Yeah thought as much. You can sod off too.
6:44pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Yes, I agree with where we are now, it is difficult to accept.
I have seen a lot of issues with company ownership in the past and it is something which must be absolutely clear from the beginning and at this point it is not fully clear who owns the shares of 1883 and whether the 'old club' assets reside with the CIC or 1883.
Hopefully this matter will be made clear by the interim board in the coming weeks.
6:44pm Thu 21 Jun 12
al_quaker says...
Note:This was sarcasm.
6:52pm Thu 21 Jun 12
monteforte says...
6:54pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
6:59pm Thu 21 Jun 12
IonlySpeaktheTruth says...
6:59pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
Craig has made no secret of the fact he`ll be leaving in the summer, but seeing as we`ll have elections in the summer for a new board then that is what you call good timing.
7:08pm Thu 21 Jun 12
monteforte says...
7:18pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
7:19pm Thu 21 Jun 12
extratime says...
These people has spent thousands of pounds of our money on a name they can't use and to play in the northern league and like sheep everyone follows - yeah blame the FA this was nothing to do with us was it
Time for change or we have no hope whatsoever for the future -hmmm theres a name with a ring No Hopers United in the pub league that will encourage investment
or what about Darlington FC (we just tell the FA it means Fools in Charge) or Darlington CiC (Clowns in Charge) and when we get a new ground lets be done with it and call it the Big Top nice change from White Elephant
7:25pm Thu 21 Jun 12
bearded_ian says...
7:32pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Oh and Morgan, I've quite clearly said why you wouldn't be missed, you've yet to come up with a better argument other than "the club needs people like me". Still waiting to hear what you bring to the party.
7:39pm Thu 21 Jun 12
shoelessden says...
8:01pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Over 30 yrs of business experience of new start ups, my own business and how to make them successful, I tried many times at the beginning to see whether the chosen path was correct, in my opinion it was not.
To be successful with a CIC you need a massive fan base or a fan base where each share is worth £1000+ annually, to me the mix was wrong the CrowdCube Pitch should have been different as whether you like it or not, you do need business involved.
Not all business men are like those big money men who have destroyed this club over the years but as is always the case the pendulum has swung too far, and now you are a Club staved of the vital resource 'money' and as such are destined to remain in the lower league for some considerable time.
It will only be when common sense prevails to have a balance to the club that it could succeed, by all means keep the crown jewels in the CIC, but without correct financial balance, it will be a significant struggle.
So I am sorry I have an opinion of how I would like to see the club succeed and why my simple comments should attract such aggressive abuse has made me realise that the club and its fans may simply have to suffer, until the time comes when they can accept that it was not business that caused this demise but mega ambitious money men and although I am going to get slated again the fans.
If the fans had got behind the club fully to get 5000 consistently at home games last season you would have still been there, it is now up to the fans of the CIC to encourage more fans in order to grow the CIC, so its up to people like you, so I would suggest you stop abusing them and encourage them instead for the reasons why they should support you, otherwise you will go no where.
8:18pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
8:27pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Actually... Send me a PM over on Uncovered and Il pass your details onto the board who im sure will be delighted to have you help with various initiatives.
Look forward to hearing from you.
8:35pm Thu 21 Jun 12
gramps427 says...
8:35pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
It was not my venture and I am already heavily involved in 3 others right now, I have made many suggestions and comments from the side and simple been accused of sniping and being critical.
If no one is willing to listen you can't force them especially when there was a chosen uncompromising direction and being told it cant be done.
Well can't is not in my vocabulary.
But sometimes lessons can only be learned the hard way, and in this case it may be better, as generally when the lesson is learned you become stronger for what lies ahead.
8:42pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Making your suggestions directly to the board themselves or even better offering your help to implement those ideas would be ideal.
I've got other things going on at the minute too - nobody is suggesting giving all of your time to the club but some time....he'll any time.... would be great.
Perhaps the amount of time you spend on this very forum suggesting these 'ideas' could be better spent putting those ideas into action?
8:44pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
8:46pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
The choices are made the way forward defined, it is no longer opportune to be involved at this stage, I am already committed and could not give it the time it deserves at this point.
I see a period of at least 6 years where you will need to fight to stay alive let alone succeed and if there is a point to assist then I may well come forward but I have taken a lot of unjust criticism not least from people like you and until attitudes mellow or change you would not accept/wish for my assistance.
8:51pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
It's not for me to accept your assistance anyway - I'm not on the board. I'm merely a fan doing my best to help the club I love. So if you're worried about me 'not accepting' your help, don't.
It's the board and I know the board have been delighted to have offers of help - like I say PM your details on Uncovered and il pass them on.
8:54pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
8:55pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
You make the assumption that I have not already done so.
I do not believe a restricted forum is a good thing, you have a local newspaper capable of reaching hundreds of thousands of people why dont you use it.
This is your teams forum do you not realise how much coverage you are getting, Darlington RA I am sure would love this much coverage.
9:00pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
I am sorry Ugh you are a sad malcontent that has no verbal skills whatsoever and everytime you comment in this way you demean yourself and your club.
9:09pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Idontknowaboutyoubut says...
9:10pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
I've certainly not heard anything.
9:22pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
9:38pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Getting a bit carried away with yourself aren't you?
I also hope you're suggesting I hospitalise pensioners in my spare time?
9:42pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
I dont know every Darlo supporter personally but those I have met are decent honest hard working folk.
Every section of society unfortunately has sections who engage in thuggish behaviour so I`m sure Darlo FC has its fair share as does every other football club.
If you want to respond to insults in kind then feel free to do so, but please do not tar all of us with the same brush
9:43pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
*suggesting I'm NOT a thug...
**suggesting I DON'T hospitalise pensioners in my spare time...
(awkward!)
9:43pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Ugh says...
9:45pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Idontknowaboutyoubut says...
9:47pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Are you for real?
9:49pm Thu 21 Jun 12
IonlySpeaktheTruth says...
9:53pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
9:54pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
10:06pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Idontknowaboutyoubut says...
As you quoted my comment,please note I stated that I was NOT suggesting that person I was addressing WAS in any way involved in pensioner bashing.Read what I posted.
Also, in the original comment,I made the point that I would avoid games involving DFC.for reasons of personal safety,being a pensioner.I think my point has been made for me.Dont threaten me with the law.It works both ways.
10:14pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
If your post was aimed at me, I would personally read it that way myself, and judging by his replies that is the way it has been taken. If that was not your intention then maybe you could of worded it differently.
And for the record, I dont claim to be a know it all, nor am I a mr.
10:20pm Thu 21 Jun 12
IonlySpeaktheTruth says...
10:37pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
if you have no interest in this club stop making any comments. I at least have an interest in this club and the direction it takes.
Hilly_2009 you may be passionate about your club put you should not use language or use that type of attitude. If you want success then you must put forward an argument that encourages people to support your club not turn them away.
Charlie74, I will have a think on what you have said but will wait to see what transpires over the coming week.
10:42pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
10:42pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
10:47pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
If you think someone telling you to sod off is bad language I think it's past your bedtime sunshine.
In terms of attitude I still stand by what I say - now is a time for people to stand up and be counted, not to hide behind usernames or comments on a local papers comments page.
I've said time and time again that the club would love to have your help, but each time you've basically brushed it off.
Like it or lump it, your comments on here over the last couple of months haven't been helpful. You've done nothing but criticise the board, who have given up their spare time to do their best by the club, yet when you're asked if you could do better, or whether you could spare some time - you're too busy.
Do as I say, not as I do - eh?
11:02pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
I have interesting comment and question for you , How many CIC members are there as there are now 702 votes on the poll.
It will be interesting to see how many you get on this poll.
Last comment for the next few days as I am travelling. So I am sure many will be pleased.
Hilly_2009, this evening has been my spare time for the month, whether you thing my comments/criticisms are good or bad, I have always tried to offer a different view point. Many of my earlier comments are now a reality whether you liked them when posted or not.
I am trying to be dispassionate about my view point because the club is still a business and if to succeed you must take the emotions out of the board room not put them there.
11:15pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
11:29pm Thu 21 Jun 12
Idontknowaboutyoubut says...
11:36pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
11:38pm Thu 21 Jun 12
morgan1 says...
Then you need to use The NE to get your message across, there are lots of people out there probably have no way to access your method of donation but also suspicous donating without a clear purchase of a share, and in which company, and to what say it gives them, because the share structure of the 1883 club has not been transparent and identifed publically.
Some still see it as the fans providing there hard earned cash for those that run it, rightly or wrongly this perception has not been dealt with. (I could be wrong but I am sure that not all involved are doing everything for free)
As I said this is a fantastic forum you have access to for all the people of the town and surrounding area but you have to find a message to engage with them.
11:53pm Thu 21 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
Would like to point out that I`m just a supporter doing a bit of fund raising, however I have my share in the CIC and am able to pass on your comments happily. As previously stated I can be contacted on uncovered as charlie x
12:33am Fri 22 Jun 12
charlie74 says...
01325 354494 (office number) or email
commercial@dfc1883.c
o.uk
5:11am Fri 22 Jun 12
Darlo1883 says...
7:55am Fri 22 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...
Ask not what your club can do for you but ask what you can do for your club.
9:21am Fri 22 Jun 12
monteforte says...
11:36am Fri 22 Jun 12
asupporter says...
2:35pm Fri 22 Jun 12
It's Me.... Alan says...
3:14pm Fri 22 Jun 12
IonlySpeaktheTruth says...
4:45pm Fri 22 Jun 12
Shildon Casual says...
11:53pm Fri 22 Jun 12
WithRespect341 says...
9:24am Sat 23 Jun 12
Hilly_2009 says...